Musicians and composers from throughout the country will gather at Clarke College from October 8-10 when the College’s music department hosts the Region V Society of Composers, Inc. Conference. The conference will be held in conjunction with the Iowa Composers Forum.

The three-day event will feature 11 public concerts and six paper presentations. It will also feature two master classes – one with internationally known conductor Stanley DeRusha and another with clarinetist Cynthia Krenzel Doggett. All events will be held on the Clarke campus, are open to the public and admission is free. A complete schedule and listing of performers can be found at www.clarke.edu/sci. Media are invited to cover the event.

The concert events will feature the works of approximately 75 composers, with all composers on campus during the performances and available to meet with the public. Performers include local soloists from Clarke College and the College of Dubuque. Other featured guests include pianist Jeri-Mae Astolfi, Due East, the Indiana Wesleyan College Percussion Ensemble, the Butler College JCFA Composers Orchestra, the Maia String Quartet and the Iowa Center for New Music from the College of Iowa.

World-renowned DeRusha is resident conductor of the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, music director and conductor of the Pro Arte Chamber Orchestra, and professor of music at Butler College, in Indianapolis, Ind. American born and trained, he has conducted throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and South America. His credits include numerous American and world premiere performances, and he has won the praise of many distinguished composers, including William Schuman, Vincent Persichetti, Karel Husa, Ernst Krenek, Joseph Schwantner, Gunther Schuller, Michael Schelle, John Downey, and John Corigliano.

Cynthia Krenzel Doggett has a dynamic personality in performance that excites audiences and a passion for teaching that inspires her students. Her recent international appearances include performances and master classes in Romania and London and she has a master class and performance in Bali, Indonesia scheduled for summer 2009. Cynthia regularly appears throughout the Midwest as a soloist, recitalist and clinician. Her most recent performance as a soloist occurred in spring of 2008 with the Central Iowa Symphony.

Media requesting more information should contact the Clarke College Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318.